Healthy Indoor Air Quality

It refers to products that emit low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are chemicals that can off-gas into your home and negatively affect air quality and health. Low VOC rugs and carpet are tested to ensure they don’t release harmful emissions, thereby supporting cleaner, safer indoor environments.

A non-toxic rug is made without harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, flame retardants, or PFAS. Non-toxic rugs often feature natural materials like wool or seagrass and avoid glues or treatments that can compromise air quality. They're ideal for homes focused on wellness and sustainability.

Low VOC specifically refers to reduced volatile organic compound emissions, which are airborne chemicals that can off-gas from materials used in rugs like synthetic, petroleum-based components and/or adhesives, potentially causing respiratory or neurological effects.

Non-toxic means the rug is free from chemicals known to cause harm to human health—this can include VOCs, but also broader concerns like flame retardants, formaldehyde, heavy metals, or PFAS.

So, is a non-toxic rug always low VOC?

Not necessarily. A rug labeled "non-toxic" should be low VOC, but it's not guaranteed unless explicitly stated. A truly non-toxic rug would ideally be low or zero VOC, but the label might not cover every emission aspect unless backed by certifications (like Blue Angel, GREENGUARD or OEKO-TEX®).

Always look for certifications or detailed product specs to confirm both claims if air quality is your top concern.

Babies and children are more sensitive to toxins, which is why choosing non-toxic, low VOC area rugs for nurseries and bedrooms is important. These options provide a safer, hypoallergenic foundation without off-gassing, a perfect choice for a room where we spend a third of our lives. Keep the room healthy by selecting a non-toxic rug pad and using non-toxic cleaning products.

Yes. If a synthetic rug has been engineered for low emissions and tested by a third party, you can rest assure that it is safe for indoor air quality. The synthetic rugs on this page have third party certifications, verifying that they are low VOC and/or free from a broader list of harmful substances.

For example:

• Scoop Tile & Plank from the FLEXIBEL™ modular collection is both Blue Angel and TÜV PROFiCERT certified—it has been independently evaluated for safety, emissions, and quality control. This contract-ready product is perfect for green building initiatives.

• Carpets from Rols of Spain also comply with European standards for indoor air quality and are certified low VOC by Eurofins product testing.

• Our walk-off mats Murray and Titan are made from durable polypropylene and are Green Label Plus certified.

Low VOC flooring, including rugs, carpets, and tiles, reduces the chemical load in indoor environments. It’s a foundational step in creating a wellness-focused spaces like bedrooms, nurseries, and offices where we spend extended periods.

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